Twelve matras in four vibhags of three — claps on 1, 4, and 10, wave on 7. In some practices Khemta is counted instead as a six-matra light taal, the twelve being its doubled statement; both renderings share the same gait. The triple grouping gives a swaying, waltz-like lilt that the six-vibhag twelves entirely lack, and the theka ("Dha Te Dhi | Na Ti Na...") leans into it.
It belongs to the lighter rooms of the tradition — thumri-dadra territory, folk-tinged song, dance numbers — where its rocking threes carry text easily. For the player the interest is feel: keeping the threes buoyant without rushing is the whole assignment.